Frank Caprio, known as “America’s nicest judge,” passed away from pancreatic cancer.
By Catholics for Catholics
The man who was merciful to all, especially to the downtrodden, the forgotten and the poor, hailed as “America’s nicest judge” for his longstanding service as a municipal court judge in Rhode Island, passed away from pancreatic cancer.
Frank Caprio, 88, the man who served as a Providence judge for almost 40 years, died on Aug. 20, according to the Catholic News Agency (CNA). He was a devout Catholic all of his life.
“Beloved for his compassion, humility, and unwavering belief in the goodness of people, Judge Caprio touched the lives of millions through his work in the courtroom and beyond. His warmth, humor, and kindness left an indelible mark on all who knew him,” read a statement posted on his official Facebook page.
As a sign of respect for Caprio, Gov. Dan McKee ordered all flags in Rhode Island to be flown at half-staff at all state agencies and buildings (he asked all residents to also lower their flags). The flags will remain lowered until his burial.
A lenient judge who mixed mercy, empathy, and justice in his courtroom, which was televised (named “Caught in Providence”), Caprio garnered fame for his temperate style.
Eternal rest grant unto Judge Caprio, and let perpetual light shine upon him. pic.twitter.com/OYgVczEhLv
— Catholics for Catholics 🇺🇲 (@CforCatholics) August 21, 2025
Caprio gained worldwide fame for his style when his courtroom was televised in a program called “Caught in Providence.” The program started in 1999 and went viral in 2017, gaining hundreds of millions of views since then.
The show was nominated for a Daytime Emmy Award in 2021 and has a YouTube channel with nearly 3 million subscribers.
According to CNA, Caprio told EWTN in February that he always kept in mind something his father, a hardworking Italian immigrant with a fifth-grade education, had impressed upon him: “What might seem like a small fine to some was something that many couldn’t afford.”
“That’s why I would always inquire: ‘Tell me a little bit about what’s going on in your life,’” Caprio said.
Caprio’s Catholic faith nurtured him during a pilgrimage to Lourdes, France, in 2024, where he sang “Ave Maria” at the grotto, calling it a deep spiritual moment.
Judge Caprio, a devout Catholic, was known for his compasion in the courtroom.
— Catholics for Catholics 🇺🇲 (@CforCatholics) August 21, 2025
Now he goes before Christ the Judge for this Final Judgement. Let's pray for the soul of this great American icon.
"For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged" Matt 7 https://t.co/OifhcrMbCS
He told EWTN he hoped his fans would pray for him after his cancer diagnosis because “I have a deep and abiding faith in the Catholic Church, in Jesus, in the power of prayer.” He said his faith in God and the prayer from all his fans kept him going.
According to CNA, Caprio petitioned for prayers again on Aug. 19, posting a video on Facebook. He passed away the following day.
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